Frequently Asked Questions
Who began this initiative?
BPFLI is a group of Burns Park parents who have been working since spring 2005 to bring foreign language instruction to Burns Park School. A survey of Burns Park families that summer showed strong backing for foreign language instruction in the elementary grades. With the support of the school principal and teachers, we established a non-profit corporation, Burns Park Foreign Language Initiative (BPFLI) to raise funds and hire a Spanish instructor.
When will instruction begin?
It began March 26, 2006!
How is Spanish taught?
Students have their Spanish lessons during the school day in their classroom, with their regular teacher participating. Rather than have another separate "class," our school is incorporating Spanish instruction into the daily classroom schedule three times a week for 20 minutes each time. Our aim is to link Spanish instruction to regular classroom subjects, such as social studies, science, calendar, math and so on. This way the Spanish instruction does not take time away from core academic subjects but instead, enhances and reinforces them; for example, last year fourth graders practiced their multiplication facts in Spanish. Additionally, the Spanish program does not take time away from special subjects such as art, PE, or music.
What are the children learning?
Students in grades one and two are taught the building blocks of the language and vocabulary to help them talk about what they are learning in school. Spanish instruction focuses on learning relevant vocabulary (including: foods, colors, shapes, numbers, vehicles and weather terms) and practicing simple conversations using this vocabulary. Students in grades three, four and five receive more advanced instruction, with the aim of achieving proficiency after five years in the program. Spanish instruction continues to focus on vocabulary acquisition as well as grammar, sentence structure, reading in Spanish and more complex conversation.
Is this better than lunchtime or afternoon programs?
It’s true that the children’s school day is already packed. But holding the classes after school makes it hard for families whose children ride the buses, or who need after-school care, to participate in the program. By integrating language instruction into the school day, we ensure that all students can reap the benefits of learning a language, regardless of their family circumstances. Foreign language instruction in elementary school also provides benefits for children in their other academic subjects, so it is a win-win situation for children.
Other schools have experimented with language instruction, either at lunchtime or after the school day. But nearly all of these programs were sporadic, and relied heavily on parent volunteers to make substantial commitments to teaching. For foreign language instruction to become a regular part of the curriculum, we needed to make sure it was provided in a consistent, professional and fair way.
Who is the instructor?
Our instructor is Eileen Orta-Alfonso, an experienced teacher who was already working with students in the “English as a second language” (ESL) program at Burns Park. Señora Alfonso was chosen by a search committee headed by Principal Kathy Morhous and composed of Burns Park teachers and parents. Sra. Alfonso is a member of the AAPS instructional staff, though her position is supported by funds raised by BPFLI.
How much does this cost?
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have been very successful in our early rounds of fundraising. This has allowed us to guarantee funding for the program a year in advance. Our current budget projections show that the cost is about $100 per pupil for a full year in the intensive program. By comparison, the 20 week after-school language program offered through Ann Arbor Rec & Ed currently costs $219 for an hour of instruction one time per week.
Why does the district pay for Spanish instruction at Pittsfield and not at Burns Park?
Due to declining enrollment and direct competition from a local charter school, Pittsfield was targeted by the district to become a magnet school. Foreign language instruction was chosen as their area of specialty; other district magnet schools have chosen technology (Scarlett) and space (Mitchell), for example. Burns Park is not a magnet school.
Is my contribution tax deductible?
We are incorporated as a non-profit in the State of Michigan, and now have 501(c)(3) status. Check with your tax preparer: your contribution may be tax deductible.
What will happen when our kids go to Tappan?
The district is planning on revamping the language program at the middle schools in time for our students’ arrival.
Do you have a flexible payment plan?
Yes! You may pay in whole or in installments. If you are unable to donate at this time, please consider making a pledge.
Do you have a credit card option?
Yes! You can now pay by credit card via PayPal through our contribution form (a PayPal account is not required).
If you have additional questions, send them to hstarman@comcast.net or secutler@umich.edu.
Did you know...?
o ...that Burns Park Elementary has the 3rd largest Spanish-speaking student population (in an elementary school) in the district? This kind of program often benefits these children in many ways, leading to improved academic achievement in other areas.
o ...that many other elementary schools in our district have long-standing parent-funded enrichment?
o ...that this program was originally offered as a pilot for the district with the vision of Foreign Language Education during the school day becoming a reality for all Ann Arbor Elementary students?
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